Topical Bible: Love to Man: Colossians

◄ Love to Man: Colossians ►

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The Epistle to the Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul, provides profound insights into the Christian understanding of love, particularly love towards fellow human beings. This letter, addressed to the church in Colossae, emphasizes the preeminence of Christ and the transformative power of His love, which believers are called to emulate in their relationships with others.

Christ as the Source of Love

In Colossians, Paul underscores that Christ is the ultimate source and example of love. Colossians 1:15-20 presents Christ as the image of the invisible God and the head of the church, through whom all things were created and reconciled. This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's love, which serves as the foundation for Christian love towards others. Believers are called to reflect this divine love in their interactions, embodying the selflessness and humility demonstrated by Christ.

The New Self and Love

Paul exhorts the Colossians to put on the "new self," which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:10). This renewal involves a transformation of character, where love plays a central role. In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul writes: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Here, love is depicted as the crowning virtue that binds all other virtues together, fostering unity and harmony within the Christian community.

Love in Action

The practical outworking of love is further elaborated in the household codes found in Colossians 3:18-4:1. Paul addresses various relationships, including those between husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and servants. In each case, love is the guiding principle that transforms these relationships. For instance, husbands are instructed to love their wives and not be harsh with them (Colossians 3:19), reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ for the church. This love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to the well-being of others, characterized by kindness, patience, and forgiveness.

Love and the Christian Witness

Paul also connects love to the Christian witness in the world. In Colossians 4:5-6, he advises believers to "act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." The love that believers show to one another and to those outside the faith serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. This love, marked by grace and wisdom, is instrumental in drawing others to Christ.

Conclusion

The Epistle to the Colossians presents a comprehensive view of love to man, rooted in the example and teachings of Christ. Through the renewal of the believer's character and the practical application of love in various relationships, Paul calls the Colossians to embody the love of Christ, fostering unity within the church and serving as a powerful witness to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:4
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Colossians iv. 5, 6
... pride of the Jews, and inspiriteth the souls of these, [the Colossians,] because
few ... to them that love Him, through the grace and love toward man of our ...
/.../homily xi colossians iv 5.htm

Colossians iii. 7-May
... Colossians iii.5-7 ... live to the glory of God, and obtain the promised good things,
whereunto may all we attain, through the grace and love toward man, &c ...
/.../homily viii colossians iii 7-may.htm

Colossians i. 21, 22
... Colossians i. 21, 22. Colossians i.21, 22 ... For God doeth not all things on a sudden,
but useth condescension because of His plenteous love toward man. ...
/.../homily iv colossians i 21.htm

Colossians i. 9, 10
... paul the apostle to the ephesians. Homily II. Colossians i. 9, 10. Colossians
i.9, 10 ... For he that hath understood God's love to man, (and he doth understand ...
/.../homily ii colossians i 9.htm

Colossians i. 15-18
... of what, tell me, are the words "firstborn from the dead" (Colossians 1:18 ... Then having
spoken of His dignity, he afterwards speaks of His love to man also. ...
/.../homily iii colossians i 15-18.htm

Colossians iv. 12, 13
... this man for his love; for even to praise is a sign of love; thus in the beginning
he said, "Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit." (Colossians 1:8 ...
/.../homily xii colossians iv 12.htm

Colossians ii. 16-19
... 16-19. Colossians ii.16-19 ... in the other world, and may obtain the good things promised
to those who love Him, through the grace and love toward man, &c. ...
/.../homily vii colossians ii 16-19.htm

Colossians ii. 6, 7
... were alienated," that we should be "holy and without blemish." (Colossians 1:13 ... may
we all be counted worthy, through the grace and love toward man, &c. ...
/.../homily vi colossians ii 6.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... by God, was dishonored by the false teachers of the Colossians, [1429]289 ... Fornication,
its bad effects on man's nature, [1443]248; opposed to love, [1444]342 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Colossians iii. 17
... the revelation of the redemption of man and of ... faith, and hope, and love can need. ...
Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxix colossians iii 17.htm